Wildfires Exact Human, Structural Toll

Wildfires covering some 15,000 acres were responsible for killing at least seven people and destroying 700 structures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to officials from the National Park Service.

Authorities put the death count at seven Thursday (Dec. 1) morning, four days after the fires first ignited in forests surrounding the resort town of Gatlinburg, TN.

Toured Gatlinburg with Comm Purkey and Gov Haslam today. Burned buildings, lost lives. THP doing all we can to help. pic.twitter.com/nBZeu5Fhon

“The threat from this fire is still there,” National Park officials said.

Officials note that prior to the fire the area had experienced a four-month-long drought.

Trail Fire

The fire started Sunday (Nov. 23) on a trail about 10 miles south of the city of Gatlinburg, according to the National Park Service.

Strong winds of up to 80 mph helped spread the fire into the town on Monday, reports say. Nine fire crews, 22 fire engines, seven helicopters, four bulldozers and 285 personnel worked for days to combat the raging wildfires.

While the cause of the first blaze is still under investigation, National Park Service said it is believed to be “human caused.”

‘Apocalyptic’ Scene

Initial assessments indicate more than 700 structures, 300 in Gatlinburg and 400 throughout Sevier County, were destroyed or damaged. Witnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic.”

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed all facilities in the park due to the extensive fire activity, and downed trees. pic.twitter.com/uZ2nLEOQrx

Homes, churches, hotels, cabins and businesses were among the structures lost, but the true extent of destruction may not be clear until residents are permitted back into town. No word yet on when that may be.